A Japan Air Self-Defense Force E-2D Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft made its first landing in the Philippines during a visit to the Philippine Air Force at Clark Air Base in Pampanga on July 2, 2026.
The JASDF was in the country while en route to Australia for the Japan–United States–Australia Trilateral Exercise “Southern Cross 26.”
The PAF said the aircraft’s historic first landing underscored the growing operational cooperation and interoperability between the Philippine and Japanese air forces.
During the visit, the JASDF delegation paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Command Staff of the Air Defense Command, reaffirming the defense partnership between the Philippines and Japan.
The two air forces also conducted a Subject Matter Expert Exchange focused on aircraft maintenance.
Personnel from the 410th Maintenance Wing and the 220th Airlift Wing exchanged technical expertise, professional knowledge, and best practices to strengthen maintenance capabilities and deepen cooperation.
The PAF said the visit reflected the continuing commitment of both air forces to build defense cooperation through professional military engagements and capacity-building initiatives.
It also highlighted the role of sustained collaboration in promoting regional security, stability, and a free and open Indo-Pacific, while supporting the PAF’s goal of building a mission-ready, capability-driven, and values-based organization.